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The New Spot On Polk
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
The New Spot On Polk
7.9
Neighborhood diner-café covering American breakfast and lunchtime favorites with friendly pricing. Expect big plates, quick refills, and a steady rush of regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Corned Beef Hash, Country Benedict, Club Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Comfort-forward plates served fast at fair prices.
Who should go: Breakfast-and-brunch traditionalists
When to visit: Early morning to beat weekend lines
What to order: Corned beef hash; benedict; club
Insider tip: Weekdays after 10am are the sweet spot for easy seating.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly metered street parking along Polk and nearby cross streets; can be tight during peak breakfast hours.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, t-shirts, and weekend wear are all fine.
Noise level: Moderate — lively chatter from regulars but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable; the café is breakfast and lunch–focused and closes before dinner.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; 5–10 minutes during peak noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several breakfast plates, omelets, and salads can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — avocado toast, oatmeal, and a few modified sides are options.
Gluten-free options: Some options like eggs, hash, and salads can be prepared gluten-free, but no dedicated prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than a romantic first date; it’s a diner-style café with a family-friendly, bustling vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they don’t take reservations. Walk-ins are standard; early mornings or late mornings on weekdays are the best bet for no wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — very. High chairs are available, portions are big enough to share, and the relaxed setting welcomes families with children of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Hearty, affordable American breakfasts and brunches served quickly in a neighborhood setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, upscale brunch experience or plant-based dining with lots of vegan choices.
The New Spot On Polk
8.3
Neighborhood diner energy with a huge menu: benedicts, skillet omelets, and corn-flake French toast. Locals rely on it for substantial portions, quick service, and all-day American breakfast staples.
Must-Try Dishes:
Corn Flakes French Toast, Breakfast Burrito, New Spot Benedict
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Classic diner breadth with standout sweet and savory breakfast hits.
Who should go: Groups craving classic American breakfast
When to visit: Weekdays before 10am for fastest seating
What to order: Corn Flakes French Toast; Benedict; Breakfast Burrito
Insider tip: Sub fruit for potatoes on benedicts if you’re going sweet.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Polk; can be tight after 9am on weekends
Dress code: Casual—jeans, hoodies, and weekend wear all fine
Noise level: Moderate—chatter from groups but still conversation-friendly
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a breakfast/lunch spot
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes during peak lunch rush; usually no wait before 11am
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—omelets, veggie burritos, and pancakes are reliable picks
Vegan options: Limited—toast, fruit, and some modified dishes available
Gluten-free options: Partial—no dedicated prep, but scrambles and protein plates can be adapted
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for romance—better suited for casual, hearty meals with friends or family.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-in only; go before 10am on weekends to avoid a long wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—booths, high chairs, and a broad menu with pancakes and simple plates make it family friendly.
Best For
Better for: Large groups who want big portions of classic American breakfast with quick service.
Skip if: You want artisanal, health-driven plates or a quieter, date-friendly brunch setting.
The New Spot On Polk
8.3
Neighborhood diner energy with a huge menu—benedicts, skillet omelets, and corn-flake French toast. Locals rely on it for substantial portions, quick service, and all-day American breakfast staples.
Must-Try Dishes:
Corn Flakes French Toast, Classic Benedict, Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Classic diner breadth with standout sweet and savory hits.
Who should go: Groups craving American breakfast
When to visit: Weekdays before 10am
What to order: Corn Flakes French Toast; Benedict; Burrito
Insider tip: Swap fruit for potatoes on sweet-leaning plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tough during peak brunch hours, but side streets open up before 10am.
Dress code: Casual; jeans, t-shirts, and weekend wear are all fine.
Noise level: Moderate; lively diner energy but you can still carry a conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable; this is a brunch and daytime-focused spot.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, especially before 11am.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple omelets, benedicts, and sweet dishes can be ordered meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited – a few sides and fruit, but not many mains without customization.
Gluten-free options: Some options, but not a dedicated menu; ask about substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups or weekend brunch groups than a romantic first date—it’s bustling and diner-like.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes; walk-ins only. Expect a short wait on weekends after 10am, especially for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes; large portions, booster seats, and a broad menu make it popular with families. Best for kids 5+ who can sit through a lively meal.
Best For
Better for: Fast, hearty, all-American brunch with variety and quick service compared to trendier cafés.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, romantic setting or vegan-forward menus—try a more specialized café instead.
The New Spot On Polk
7.7
All-day diner with a sprawling menu—from Benedicts and burgers to salads—plus efficient pacing. A practical sit-down lunch when you need range and speed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bacon BBQ Burger, Crispy Cod Sandwich, Cobb Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Modern diner breadth with quick ticket times and outdoor seating.
Who should go: Teams with mixed cravings
When to visit: 11:30–12:30 before the brunch spillover
What to order: Bacon BBQ burger, crispy cod sandwich, Cobb
Insider tip: Use the waitlist link to time your arrival.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Polk and nearby side streets; spots turn over at lunch but fill quickly by evening.
Dress code: Casual—work attire, jeans, and business-casual are all fine.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch; still manageable for business conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during prime hours without the waitlist link
Weekday lunch: Usually seated right away or within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—salads, omelets, and veggie sandwiches available.
Vegan options: Limited—customizable salads and sides, but not a full vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many dishes can be adapted on request; no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for practical lunches than romance—opt for a relaxed business meeting or casual meal rather than a date night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t required; use the Yelp waitlist link during busy hours to cut down your wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—broad diner menu, high chairs available, and casual setting makes it easy for families.
Best For
Better for: Faster ticket times and a wider range of diner staples compared to nearby sit-down grills.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet or upscale experience—other neighborhood spots deliver more ambiance.
The New Spot On Polk
8.1
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Brunch Bliss Spots
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Neighborhood American breakfast-and-lunch standby with quick counter service, big portions, and kid-friendly staples. It’s a reliable stop for pancakes, burgers, and fresh juices before or after a Russian Hill stroll.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Buttermilk Pancakes, Smash Burger
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Fast, friendly breakfast and lunch with generous portions.
Who should go: Families on a schedule
When to visit: Arrive before noon on weekends to avoid waits
What to order: Breakfast burrito, pancakes, smash burger
Insider tip: Window seats make stroller parking easiest.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Polk can be tight, especially weekends; Old First Garage on Sacramento is the nearest reliable paid option.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate buzz—families and chatter but still possible to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—closed for dinner.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, even during peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—omelets, pancakes, salads, and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited—fruit plates, avocado toast, and some sides can be made vegan.
Gluten-free options: Partial—can customize omelets and salads, but breads and pancakes are not GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more of a casual family diner than a date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—the restaurant doesn’t take reservations; seating is first come, first served.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—high chairs available, kid-friendly menu items like pancakes and burgers, and quick service helps with younger children.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and larger portions at a lower price than many nearby brunch spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quiet, upscale brunch with cocktails—this is more casual and utilitarian.
The New Spot On Polk
7.8
All-day diner-style brunch with big portions and a sunny corner location that catches cable-car energy. Classics run from build-your-own benedicts to corn flake French toast and a crispy chicken-and-waffle riff.
Must-Try Dishes:
Build-your-own benedict, Corn flake French toast, Montecristo waffle
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Affordable, photogenic diner plates with outdoor seating.
Who should go: Groups seeking classic brunch comfort
When to visit: Weekdays 9–11am; weekends after 1pm
What to order: Custom benedict; corn flake French toast; breakfast burrito
Insider tip: Ask for patio seating for natural light and people-watching.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is available along Polk and nearby cross streets; spots can be scarce during peak brunch hours. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable—jeans, sneakers, and weekend wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially during brunch rush. Conversations are possible but expect background chatter and street noise from the corner location.
Weekend wait: Not a dinner-focused spot; limited evening demand means seating is usually quick.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait between 9:30am and 11:30am.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—omelets, benedicts, pancakes, and French toast are available without meat.
Vegan options: Limited—can request modifications like avocado toast or fruit sides, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Minimal—no separate gluten-free menu or prep area; some dishes like scrambles can be adapted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual, daytime hangs than romantic first dates. It’s relaxed and friendly, but not particularly intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s walk-in only. On weekends you may wait 20–40 minutes during peak brunch hours, but weekdays are usually quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. Portions are large and the menu appeals to families. Outdoor seating gives extra space for strollers, though no formal kids’ play area.
Best For
Better for: Casual groups who want big, affordable brunch plates and outdoor seating in a sunny corner location.
Skip if: You’re looking for refined, quiet dining or strong vegan/gluten-free options—opt for trendier or health-driven brunch cafés nearby instead.